Core Insights - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified at least 80 instances of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software violating road rules, including running red lights and crossing into the wrong lane [1] Group 1: Complaints and Investigations - NHTSA has received 62 complaints from Tesla drivers, 14 reports from Tesla, and four media reports regarding potential violations, an increase from around 50 violations noted in October [2] - The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is examining whether Tesla's driver assistance software can accurately detect and respond to traffic signals, signs, and lane markings, as well as whether it provides sufficient warnings to drivers [3] - The increase in complaints is significant, particularly as the original reports included multiple instances from a specific intersection in Joppa, Maryland, where Tesla claimed to have taken action [4] Group 2: Tesla's Response and Future Actions - Tesla's responses to NHTSA's inquiries are due by January 19, 2026, and the agency is requesting data on the number of vehicles equipped with FSD and the frequency of software engagement [6] - This marks the second investigation by NHTSA into Tesla's FSD software, with the first probe initiated in October 2024 focusing on how FSD handles low-visibility situations [7] Group 3: Public Statements and Controversies - The new letter coincides with CEO Elon Musk's claim that the latest version of FSD will allow drivers to text and drive, which is illegal in most states; NHTSA has not commented on Musk's statement [5]

Core Insights - Limitless, an AI startup previously known as Rewind, has been acquired by Meta, ceasing the sale of its hardware devices while providing support for existing customers for one year [1][4]. Company Overview - Limitless was founded by Brett Bejcek and Dan Siroker, who previously co-founded Optimizely. The company transitioned to AI device manufacturing last year, launching the Limitless pendant priced at $99, which could be worn like a necklace or attached to clothing [3][6]. - The startup had raised over $33 million in funding from notable investors, including a16z, First Round Capital, and NEA [9]. Product and Service Changes - Following the acquisition, customers will no longer pay a subscription fee and will be transitioned to the Unlimited Plan. The non-pendant software "Rewind," which recorded desktop activity, will also be phased out [2]. - Limitless will provide customers with options to export or delete their data from the app [9]. Strategic Direction - Limitless aligns with Meta's vision of creating AI-enabled wearables, focusing on supporting existing Meta products rather than developing new hardware like an AI pendant [4][6]. - The company acknowledged increased competition in the market, particularly from larger players like OpenAI and Meta, which are also developing their own hardware [5].

Core Viewpoint - The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against AI search startup Perplexity for copyright infringement, marking its second legal action against an AI company, as part of a broader strategy by publishers to negotiate compensation for the use of their content in AI products [1][8]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit claims that Perplexity provides commercial products that substitute for The Times without permission or remuneration [1]. - The Times alleges that Perplexity's retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) products generate responses that often reproduce original content verbatim or near-verbatim, including copyrighted works from The Times [4][6]. - The lawsuit seeks damages for the harm caused and aims to prevent Perplexity from using its content in the future [11]. Group 2: Industry Context - The lawsuit is part of a long-standing trend where publishers have historically sued new technology companies, from radio to social media, to protect their content [7]. - Other media outlets, including the Chicago Tribune, have also filed lawsuits against Perplexity, indicating a growing concern among publishers regarding AI's impact on original journalism [1][10]. - The Times has previously sent a cease and desist letter to Perplexity and has attempted to negotiate terms for content use over the past 18 months [7]. Group 3: Perplexity's Response and Initiatives - In response to compensation demands, Perplexity launched a Publishers' Program that shares ad revenue with participating outlets and introduced Comet Plus, which allocates 80% of its $5 monthly fee to publishers [2]. - Perplexity's head of communications stated that publishers have historically struggled to win legal battles against new technologies, suggesting a belief that the lawsuit may not succeed [7]. - The company has faced accusations from other outlets, including Wired and Forbes, regarding unethical content scraping practices [11]. Group 4: Broader Legal Landscape - The Times is also involved in ongoing litigation against OpenAI and Microsoft, claiming that they trained AI systems using its articles without compensation [8]. - A related case against Anthropic has set a precedent regarding fair use in AI training, highlighting the complexities of copyright law in the context of AI [9]. - The legal pressure on Perplexity is mounting, with multiple publishers and media companies pursuing similar claims against the startup [10]. Group 5: Potential for Collaboration - Despite the lawsuit, The Times has shown willingness to collaborate with AI firms that compensate for its content, having signed a multiyear deal with Amazon for content licensing [12]. - Other publishers have also engaged in licensing agreements with AI companies, indicating a potential path forward for monetizing content in the AI landscape [12].

Core Insights - Meta has signed commercial AI data agreements with various news publishers to enhance its AI chatbot, Meta AI, by providing real-time news updates and links to articles from multiple sources [1][2][3] Group 1: Partnerships and Content Sources - Meta is collaborating with major news organizations including CNN, Fox News, Fox Sports, Le Monde Group, People Inc., The Daily Caller, The Washington Examiner, and USA Today to broaden the content available through Meta AI [2] - The integration of diverse news sources aims to improve the chatbot's ability to deliver timely and relevant information, enhancing user experience and engagement [4] Group 2: Strategic Shift and AI Development - This initiative marks a strategic shift for Meta, which previously moved away from being a news hub by eliminating Facebook's "News" tab in 2024 and ceasing compensation for news publishers in 2022 [3][4] - The company is now compensating news publishers again to enrich its AI capabilities, particularly in real-time news access, as it faces increasing competition in the AI space [3][4] Group 3: User Engagement and Accessibility - Meta AI is designed to be more responsive and accurate, with the goal of attracting more users amid rising competition [4] - The AI chatbot is accessible in over 200 countries through various Meta applications, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and a standalone Meta AI app [7]

Core Points - Petco disclosed a data breach involving customer personal information in a filing with California's attorney general [1] - The company identified a software application setting that allowed certain files to be accessible online and took immediate corrective actions [2][7] - Petco is offering free credit and identity theft monitoring services to affected customers as required by California law [5] Summary by Sections Data Breach Details - The breach affects at least 500 customers in California, with additional notifications sent to unspecified individuals in Massachusetts and three in Montana [4] - The specific types of personal information exposed have not been disclosed [2][3] Company Response - Petco has communicated with affected individuals and has implemented additional security measures to enhance application security [2][7] - The company is providing resources for credit monitoring in compliance with legal requirements if sensitive information like driver's license numbers or Social Security numbers were compromised [5]

Core Insights - Netflix has announced its acquisition of Warner Bros. with an enterprise value of $82.7 billion, marking a significant move in the streaming industry [1][2] - The deal includes HBO Max and the HBO studio, enhancing Netflix's content library with popular franchises like DC Comics, "Game of Thrones," and "Harry Potter" [2] - Netflix's investment of $72 billion surpasses Warner Bros.' market valuation of $60 billion, indicating the scale of the acquisition [3] Industry Context - The merger is one of the largest in Hollywood's history and positions Netflix to solidify its leading market position [2] - Warner Bros. Discovery had been struggling with debt and disappointing streaming growth, prompting the sale [7] - The acquisition is expected to finalize in the third quarter of 2026, following Warner Bros. Discovery's separation from Discovery Global [7][8] Regulatory Considerations - The merger may face antitrust scrutiny, with concerns raised by senators regarding potential political favoritism and corruption [4] - An anonymous group has reportedly urged Congress to oppose Netflix's acquisition offer, reflecting industry pushback [4]

Core Points - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has requested additional information from Waymo regarding its self-driving system after reports of illegal maneuvers around school buses [1][2] - Waymo's robotaxis have been reported to illegally pass school buses 19 times since the start of the 2025-26 school year, raising safety concerns [5][10] - Waymo claims that its software updates have improved safety, reporting a fivefold reduction in injury-related crashes compared to human drivers [6][8] Regulatory Actions - NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation opened an investigation into Waymo in October after observing footage of a robotaxi maneuvering around a stopped school bus [3] - A letter from NHTSA to Waymo requested detailed information about its fifth-generation self-driving system and operations [2] - The Austin School District has requested that Waymo cease operations during peak school hours until further software updates are completed [9][10] Company Response - Waymo stated that the bus was partially blocking the driveway, which affected the robotaxi's visibility of the stop sign and flashing lights [4] - The company has issued software updates aimed at improving performance and has committed to continuous improvement [8] - Waymo maintains that its robotaxis are safer than human drivers, citing data on reduced injury crashes [6][8]

Executive Changes - Apple continues to experience significant executive turnover, with the recent retirements of general counsel Kate Adams and vice president Lisa Jackson, following the departures of AI chief John Giannandrea and design executive Alan Dye [1][4][6] - Jennifer Newstead has been hired as the new general counsel, set to start on March 1, 2026, transitioning from her role as chief legal officer at Meta [2][3] Leadership Contributions - During her tenure, Kate Adams managed legal challenges related to increased antitrust scrutiny and lawsuits, particularly concerning competition in the app market [4] - Lisa Jackson has been pivotal in Apple's climate initiatives, achieving a reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by over 60% compared to 2015 levels [6] Strategic Shifts - The leadership changes come as Apple faces challenges in the AI sector, including delays in launching an AI-powered Siri, which will now utilize Google's models [8] - The company has also seen a shift in design leadership, with Stephen Lemay taking over from Alan Dye, amid concerns about a decline in Apple's design quality [8]

Meta is launching a new centralized support hub for Facebook and Instagram users, the company announced on Thursday, adding that its prior support options haven’t “always met expectations.” Within the hub, users will find tools to report an account issue, recover an account they’ve lost access to, and get answers via AI-powered search and an AI assistant. The feature is rolling out now to global users on Facebook and Instagram on both the iOS and Android apps. The new AI assistant being tested is designed ...

Core Viewpoint - Amazon is contemplating the termination of its contract with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to establish its own nationwide delivery network, with the current agreement set to expire in October 2026 [1] Group 1: Contractual Considerations - The ongoing negotiations between Amazon and USPS regarding the future contract have been complicated by political pressures, particularly President Trump's initiative to privatize USPS [1] - Under the existing contract, Amazon contributes billions of dollars annually to USPS, which represents approximately 7.5% of the agency's revenue projected for 2025 [2] Group 2: Amazon's Delivery Network - Amazon has developed a substantial transportation network that includes airplanes, electric vans from Rivian, and a nascent drone delivery service, although the drone program has encountered challenges, including a Federal Aviation Administration investigation [2] - The company is also working on autonomous vehicles through its subsidiary Zoox [2]